The Jets have made a cursory phone call about former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, ESPN.com reports.

The former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft was released by Oakland in May, and the Jets seemingly have a need for a backup quarterback, with Kellen Clemens and Erik Ainge behind Mark Sanchez.

The report says the call is part of GM Mike Tannenbaum’s strategy to investigate every available player. It lists the Cardinals and Vikings as Russell’s most likely destinations.

Russell is considered one of the all-time draft busts after being selected out of LSU in 2007, getting $39 million for seven wins in 25 starts, according to ESPN.

Rex Ryan’s twin brother Rob was defensive coordinator for the Raiders in Russell’s first two seasons, and the Ryans have discussed players in the past.

“If he cares about a player, he’d rather him come here and play for me than go somewhere else because he knows we’ll take care of those guys,” Rex Ryan told ESPN.com earlier this offseason. “We’re twins. He cares about his players and I care about ours. We always want those guys to be successful even when they leave you.”

ESPN analyst Marcellus WIley endorsed the move, saying Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer might be able to turn his career around with no risk.

“Obviously, there’s not going to be any pressure for JaMarcus to get on the football field and play,” Wiley said on “SportsCenter.” “So it would be smart to get the most out of him and use him as an asset for trade bait.”

The Jets recently added other players whose organizations have soured on them over character issues, including Braylon Edwards (Browns), Santonio Holmes (Steelers) and Antonio Cromartie (Chargers).

The Jets have expressed interest in Saints QB Mark Brunell, but can not sign him until later next month due to the NFL’s free agency rules for playoff teams.